Posted November 3, 2009

What better way to celebrate “Book Lovers Day” on November 7 than to read a book? We all know that reading to our children is an important part of their intellectual and emotional development. But why is that? Parent and Child Magazine addresses the issue with a terrific article by Susan B. Neuman, professor of childhood studies at the University of Michigan. The article can be found here: http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=8056

Reading is fun, stimulates the imagination, provides knowledge of the world and life, including problems and how to solve them. Language development is also strengthened by hearing words being read aloud. Children who read a variety of books on a daily basis also develop a sense of community, an understanding of “what it means to be human,” learning empathy as they are introduced to cultures and people that are different from their own.

Most parents instinctively recognize the value of reading to their child. What you may be surprised to discover is that learning to read can also help your child learn to play the piano or violin or even sing in a choir. The truth is that many of the same skills required to become a successful reader are the same skills a student must draw upon when learning to read music. Skills like tracking from left to right, recognizing that symbols have meaning, and eye-hand coordination are just a few of the common denominators in reading books and reading music.

So don’t just celebrate Book Lovers Day on November 7; celebrate reading and books every day! You’ll be doing something that will benefit your child in many ways for a long time to come.

Talk back! What’s your all-time favorite children’s book?

-by Kindermusik educator Theresa Case. Theresa's Kindermusik program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is in the top 1% of all programs in the world.

I love being a Kindermusik educator. I've done so for six years now, and I never tire of watching the parents interact with their children in my classroom – the shared laughter, the creative moments of discovery, and the memories that will surely be cherished for many years to come.

Well, I've come here to tell you a secret. Promise not to tell anyone? It may be quite shocking to some of you!

I'm not the teacher in my Kindermusik classroom.

Surprised?

Well, as a Kindermusik educator, I believe YOU, the parent, are your child's most important teacher. No one will ever know or understand your children like you do, and as they grow and learn, you will be the most important factor in their success.

So what exactly is my job as a Kindermusik teacher then?

• providing an open environment where you and your children can learn and grow together

• coaching you as you explore the world of music with your child

• educating you about your child's development and finding new ways to enhance that development

While I wear many hats (sometimes literally) in my classroom, being the best teacher for your child is not one of them. That is an honor reserved for you. Wear it with pride, and don’t forget, that little "teacher secret", it's just between us!

Guest Contributor: Aimee Carter Delightful Sounds, Inc. www.delightfulsounds.com www.delightfulsounds.com/blog (813) 503-6976

by Kate Pavey, Kindermusik educator

Scaffolding is something we often engage in during an Our Time class. The children are encouraged to explore an object or an instrument in their own way in whatever way they feel best. The parent or caregiver watches the child - and for the most part, imitates the child – while carefully introducing new elements and levels (like scaffolds) which the child can choose to explore.  

Entering the world of a child in this way can become totally absorbing and strangely relaxing. As we engage in this play with our children, we too begin to play and explore - perhaps suggesting new ways to play together, but never dictating that there is a right or wrong way to do something. 

During our recent family holiday to Devon, my son Isaac and I were on the beach playing on the body board in the waves. After a few tumbles head first into very salty water, Isaac headed off to play in the wet sand. He engrossed himself in construction work, building up mounds of sand and rock into structures to see if they could withstand the quickly approaching sea making its way up the beach. At first I was frustrated; we had come to play in the waves and I wanted him to come and join me.  

In that moment, I thought about the way we encourage play in class. I went over, instead, and started to build alongside Isaac. Within moments I had become absorbed into his world. Focusing on a single simple activity with no agenda is so relaxing. Together we built bigger and better structures, running up and down the beach to collect rocks. We laughed heartily when the waves smashed into them and sent them flying and we had the most amazing fun. 

I learnt how important it is for our children's self esteem to be enthusiastically involved with their projects, however small, and for us to find again our lust for the simple things in life that we wondered at as children. 

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Kate Pavey, licensed Kindermusik educator since 2001, runs Musikate, a program in Colchester Essex UK. http://www.musikate.co.uk/  

We have learned the hard way in this recession that things are not always as they seem. Banks are not as solvent, General Motors is not as mighty, real estate is not as valuable.  In fact, it seems as though we are in an epidemic of inauthenticity: character, genuineness, good faith, and sincerity are under siege. It’s no fun to read the paper anymore.

But from within the Kindermusik bubble, the world looks like it always has. The Kindermusik classroom bursts with authenticity: tender teachers, proven curricula, friendship, music, smiles. Perhaps what Kindermusik can teach all of us at times like these is that some things are truly timeless.  Just as a playground swing still brings delight to a child as it did before iPhones, Twitter, and debit cards, Kindermusik wraps parent and child in bona fide warmth. Provides a true, joyful, and nurturing place where we can come together, share our children, and sing.   

Nothing fancy, mighty, solvent, or newfangled.  

But valuable? Authentic? Genuine? Sincere?  

In a room full of children? Always.

contributed by Michael G. Dougherty (CEO, Kindermusik International)